Israeli elections

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Explainer

Arab parties' backing gives Eisenkot edge over Netanyahu for PM: What to know

With 67 Knesset members backing his candidacy, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot could win the mandate to form the next government.

The sun sets on the US Capitol on Election Day evening on Nov. 3, 2026 in Washington.

From Tehran to Tel Aviv, Democrats’ midterm triumph sparks Middle East reactions

Iranian officials responded gleefully to the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the Senate and House, while regional media highlighted Abdul El-Sayed’s election as the first Muslim American senator.

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Analysis

'All we can do is wait': Netanyahu's push for Iran strikes hangs on Trump’s post-midterm call

Amid the political deadlock following Israel's elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leverage on Washington to resume Iran strikes will depend on the US' own vote.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

OPSHOT - Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot (R) arrives to address his supporters at the election night rally after the first exit polls were announced, in Tel Aviv on early October 28, 2026, during Israel's legislative elections. Opposition candidate Eisenkot said early on October 28 said Israel had chosen change after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that he would seek to form a new government. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Explainer

Israel's Eisenkot gains key endorsements, but Arab parties' role unclear

President Isaac Herzog has summoned party representatives for consultations starting Wednesday to decide whom to task with forming the next government.

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Analysis

Gaza progress, Syria pullback: What Turkey wants from Israel’s next government

Demonstrators hold a banner reading "Free Gaza, free world"

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Could Israel’s election deadlock threaten its resilient economy?

Jewel SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

What Israel’s election means for its China ties

China's President Xi Jinping (R) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands ahead of their talks at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on March 21, 2017.

Analysis

How Netanyahu is trying to discredit Arab parties in bid to block Eisenkot

Eisenkot - Netanyahu

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Yousef Jabareen, leader of Israel's Arab-led Joint List political alliance (C-L), and other members cheer at the alliance's campaign headquarters in the northern Israeli city of Nazareth on Oct. 27, 2026.

Explainer

How Israel’s Arab parties could help oust Netanyahu after election gains

Arab citizens came out in record numbers for the Oct. 27 elections, with turnout reaching 80% — even higher than the national rate of 77%.

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After Israel vote, Trump says will 'look' at helping Netanyahu form unity government

President Donald Trump could get involved in Israel's government formation after taking the unusual step of endorsing the sitting prime minister.

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Israel election limbo drags down shekel, stocks

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s benchmark TA-125 index fell roughly 2.5% on Wednesday, plunging in early trading before recovering some losses later in the day.

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Analysis

Israel’s deadlock: Could Trump broker Netanyahu-Eisenkot deal?

With most of the votes counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Gadi Eisenkot, find themselves in a political stalemate that may only be resolved if the US president pressures them into forming a unity government.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israelis pass by campaign posters featuring Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Yashar Party leader, Gadi Eisenkot, near a polling station during Israel's general elections on October 27, 2026 in Hadera, Israel.

Israel exit polls show Netanyahu, Eisenkot short of majority as Arab parties surge

Likud is projected to emerge as the largest party, but neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition appears able to secure a parliamentary majority.

Tents sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Hamas-Israeli war are pitched between the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip, Oct. 20, 2026.

Analysis

What Israel's election could mean for Palestinians in Gaza, West Bank

The ouster of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could provide Palestinians some relief, but is unlikely to improve their prospects for statehood.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

ADORA, WEST BANK - OCTOBER 27: Israeli children ride a bicycle and a scooter past an election campaign stand of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on October 27, 2026 in the Israeli settlement of Adora, West Bank. Voting is underway to choose 120 members of the Knesset, which will determine the make-up of the government that succeeds incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition. Around 500,000 Israeli settlers living in the occupied West Bank and are entitled to ca

Live Updates

Israel sees record voter turnout as Netanyahu faces crucial test

For the first time since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack, Israelis are heading to the polls in elections widely seen as crucial to the country’s future.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Turkish House in New York, on Sept. 19, 2023.

Analysis

What’s at stake for Turkey as Israel heads to the polls?

Israel’s Oct. 27 election could offer a chance to ease tensions with Ankara, but competing ambitions in Syria and beyond threaten to push the two US allies toward a dangerous confrontation.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

A bus bearing a campaign poster featuring Israeli Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu alongside US President Donald Trump drives through Jerusalem on October 26, 2026, on the eve of Israel's legislative elections. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP via Getty Images)

Explainer

Netanyahu victory or another vote? 5 scenarios for Israel’s election

Arab turnout could prove decisive as polls project 13 to 15 seats for the two Arab parties, up from nine Arab lawmakers in the current Knesset.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly gathering, UN Headquarters, New York, Sept. 22, 2026.

Analysis

How Israel’s elections could bring thaw with Syria

The next Israeli government could have an opportunity to secure several diplomatic wins involving the United States and Iran by improving relations with Syria.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

A print house worker produces a campaign poster showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Analysis

Corruption trial, ICC warrant: Why Netanyahu will stay in politics even if he loses

Netanyahu stands to lose more than the premiership. His criminal corruption trial and the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him are also at stake.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

a large billboard featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

What Netanyahu win or loss could mean for Israel’s economy

Economic concerns have taken a back seat to security as voters weigh Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s future — but rising deficits, cost of living and politically charged issues will be a challenge for whoever eventually prevails.